Isla Bennett
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47 millimeters per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. The speed of growth depends on factors such as the hand and finger, age, hormone levels, and overall health. Nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers grow faster, and nail growth is generally faster during the day and in the summer. While some recommend letting nails breathe by taking breaks from gel manicures, others argue that keeping nails protected with polish and moisturized can promote stronger and healthier growth. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to trim and file nails properly, avoid biting them, and practice good hand hygiene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average daily growth | one-tenth of a millimeter |
| Average monthly growth | 3.47 millimeters |
| Time taken for a lost fingernail to grow back | up to six months |
| Nails on the dominant hand | grow faster |
| Nails on longer fingers | grow faster |
| Nails during the day | grow faster |
| Nails during the summer | grow faster |
| Growth rate with age | decreases |
| Growth rate with hormones | varies |
| Time between gel polish applications | 2 to 3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Diet and overall health impact nail growth
The rate at which your nails grow depends on factors such as diet, nail care practices, and the type of manicure you get. While there is no definitive answer to how long you should let your nails grow, some sources suggest that it is generally safe to change gel nails every three weeks to avoid touching the skin.
Diet and Overall Health Impact on Nail Growth
A well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-dense, whole, unprocessed foods is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Nails are primarily composed of a protein called keratin, so consuming adequate amounts of protein is crucial for nail growth and strength. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, quinoa, tofu, and nuts in your diet to ensure sufficient protein intake.
In addition to protein, biotin, a B vitamin, plays a vital role in nail health. Foods rich in biotin, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes, and avocados, can help improve the structure of keratin, making your nails stronger and less prone to splitting or breaking.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to maintain healthy cell membranes. They help keep your nails moisturized, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Zinc is another important mineral for nail growth and repair. Oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of zinc, which helps keep your nails strong and healthy.
Vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, kiwi, and citrus fruits can also boost nail strength by aiding in collagen production. Additionally, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach, which are rich in iron, will contribute to overall nail health.
Staying hydrated is also crucial for nail health. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dry, brittle nails that are more susceptible to breaking.
On the other hand, excessive sugar intake, fried foods, and alcohol can negatively impact nail health. These foods can cause inflammation, weaken your nails, and make them more prone to breakage and discoloration.
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Nails grow faster in summer
The average rate of nail growth is about 3.47 millimetres per month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. However, several factors influence how fast your nails grow. For instance, nails on your dominant hand grow faster because you use that hand more. Similarly, nails on your longer fingers grow faster. Interestingly, your fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer.
Puberty is the peak of nail growth due to fluctuating hormone levels. After puberty, as hormone levels stabilise, nail growth slows down. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, can also impact nail growth and recovery from nail disorders. Onychophagia, or chronic nail-biting, is associated with faster nail growth. This may be because biting stimulates circulation in the nail bed. Additionally, frequent nail clipping may contribute to faster nail growth.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is essential to take care of your body. While genetics influences the size and shape of your nail beds, maintaining a healthy diet and addressing nutrient deficiencies can positively impact your nails' appearance. Taking biotin supplements can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage. Nail hardeners can also be used sparingly to reduce breakage, but prolonged use may weaken the nails.
It is recommended to avoid glue-on nails and toxic nail polishes as they can increase the risk of nail breakage. Instead, opt for non-toxic or water-based polishes. Additionally, pushing back the cuticles and cleaning the nail plate before applying nail polish can help you achieve a neater manicure that lasts longer without touching the skin.
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Nails on the dominant hand grow faster
The rate at which fingernails grow is influenced by several factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. Typically, nails grow about 3.5 weeks' worth in a month. However, some people have noticed that their nails grow faster on their dominant hand, which may be because the more you use a finger, the faster the nail grows. For example, people who type a lot tend to have faster-growing nails on their dominant hand.
Additionally, the growth rate of nails can be influenced by the application and manicure techniques used. For instance, pushing back the cuticles and painting close to the skin can make nail growth less noticeable, while leaving space between the cuticle and polish may cause growth to be more apparent.
While it is generally recommended to change gel polish every three weeks, some individuals opt to extend the time between manicures to four or five weeks. However, this may increase the risk of painting the skin as the nail grows out.
Good nail hygiene practices can also promote healthy nail growth. If you notice that your nails are growing unusually slowly or you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if your symptoms are related to nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions.
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Age impacts nail growth
The change in growth speed is likely due to a slowdown in blood circulation with age, which can affect the nail bed. Additionally, the texture and thickness of nails can change. Nails may become more brittle and prone to breaking as we age, and this can be exacerbated by repeated wetting and drying, or exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and cosmetics.
Furthermore, the shape and contour of nails can alter over time. Conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with thicker nails, and fungal infections, which are common in older people, can also cause nail thickening.
Nail colour may also change with age. Dark stripes or ridges along the nail, known as "longitudinal melanonychia," can develop, particularly in darker-skinned individuals such as Hispanics, African Americans, and Japanese. While often benign, these stripes can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as melanoma or skin cancer.
Other changes in nail appearance can signal underlying health problems. For example, changes in nail texture, thickness, colour, or shape can be indicative of heart and lung disease, anaemia, liver and kidney problems, or diabetes. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant or unusual changes in your nails as you age.
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Gel nails should be removed or re-applied after 2-4 weeks
Gel nails are a popular choice for those wanting long-lasting, glossy nails. However, as your nails grow, you will need to remove or re-apply the gel after about 2 to 4 weeks.
Removing Gel Nails at Home
There are two main methods for removing gel nail polish: the traditional method and using a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves using acetone, cotton balls or pads, aluminum foil, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. First, you need to file down the top coat of your gel nails with a coarse nail file until it is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, tear off pieces of cotton balls or pads that are about 1.5x1.5 cm, and soak them in acetone. Make sure the cotton isn't too big, so it doesn't touch the skin around your nails or cuticles. Place each soaked cotton piece on top of your nail and wrap it with aluminum foil. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then gently push the gel polish off each nail with a metal cuticle pusher or orangewood stick.
Protecting Your Nails and Skin
As an alternative to aluminum foil, you can use plastic food wrap to protect your nails and the surrounding skin from the acetone. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your cuticles and skin before starting can also help prevent irritation and damage. After removing the gel polish, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and skin daily for about a week to reduce any irritation.
Re-applying Gel Nails
When re-applying gel nails, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Push your cuticles and clean the nail plate with a gentle buff. Use a thin brush to apply the gel color and topcoat closer to the skin without touching it. This will help you avoid noticing the growth of your nails too soon, which can happen within 2 weeks if the gel is applied too far from the cuticle.
Maintaining Healthy Nails
To maintain healthy nails, it is recommended to change your gel nails every 3 weeks. Leaving gel nails for 4 to 5 weeks increases the risk of touching the skin and can make it harder for the gel to stick properly when re-applying. Additionally, be careful not to over-buff your nails, as this can make them thin and weak, causing them to bend and the gel polish to come off easily.
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Frequently asked questions
Soaking your nails in warm water is a common practice before a manicure to soften the cuticles and clean the nails. Nails should be soaked for a few minutes, and no longer than 5 minutes. Soaking nails for too long can cause the nail plate to swell, which can lead to chipping and peeling once the nails dry.
Warm water is the most common liquid to soak your nails in, however, some people prefer to add a few drops of oils such as coconut, walnut, macadamia nut, hazelnut or almond oil, or a few drops of soap or lemon juice.
An acetone soak is used to remove acrylic nails. Nails are soaked in 100% acetone for 15-20 minutes, and the product is gently scraped off with an orange wood stick.
Unlike manicures, it is recommended to soak your feet in warm water for 3-5 minutes at the beginning of a pedicure to sanitise them.
